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When people think of visiting Europe, they typically think of France, Germany and perhaps Italy and Switzerland. Eastern Europe, surprisingly, has been almost fully ignored. Today, Lithuania is emerging as one of the tourist destinations that are both inexpensive compared to Western Europe, and full of natural as well as traditional beauties that will alternately stun and charm visitors. Lithuania has been an independent nation for just over a decade now, and is already playing an active part in European politics. It has a long and colorful history, which shows up in certain glimpses one catches of the vast multifaceted patchwork that is the culture of this nation. Tourists can visit sites of natural beauty such as the Curonian Spit - a tongue of land protruding from the western end of Lithuania. It is home to a stunning variety of fauna - birds, deer, elk and other animals scrabbling about in the huge and spectacular sand dunes. On a bicycle, one can cycle all the way from one end - Nida - to another - Smiltynés. Also, don't forget to see the Curonian Lagoon - a huge expanse of water that sees a constant stream of ferries flowing across it. You can reach the lagoon by sea, from Klalpeda - one of the major ports in Lithuania. From the Spit, you can move north to the wild party center of Palanga, if it is summer. If it is winter, the same place allows you to relax in cozy peace. The wooden houses, tinkling bicycle bells and pedalled taxis (where else would you see THOSE!) charm tourists into thinking they are still somewhere in the 18th century. The South-West of Lithuania is full of an old, rural charm. Activities such as bird-watching, boating and cycling are extremely popular here. Finally, of course, let's not forget the capital city called Vilnius. This city is about as quirky as it gets - something that is obvious from the statue of Frank Zappa, of all people! Full of artists and Bohemians, this is the ideal place for a Geek Getaway, or just to let your hair down. But don't think religion has no role to play here - there are multiple Orthodox and Catholic churches, and the decor of the whole city is in a baroque style. Moving closer to the present day, the turmoil of the 20th century has also written with a generous hand on this city. Soviet occupation and the World War have left its scars everywhere, but the city soldiers on with a spirit of rebirth and revolution. There's only one warning I would give to people visiting Lithuania. There is a very real danger of information and sensory overload, so plan your trip well! Better yet, come for a long vacation in the summer - it will be inexpensive, and you can get in all the activity you want.
Other than Lithuania, there are many attractive options for holidaying in East Europe. Norway holidays and Iceland holidays can offer a glimpse of a life we only read about.
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